Last Friday, I decided to take a detour after running errands. The weather was gorgeous outside, and I vowed to push my allergies aside and drive with the windows down to a neighboring town for ice cream. My motto: eat chocolate as much as possible, and eat dessert first. : )
The point of this post is not that I love chocolate (I would dip my life in it if that was an option). Instead, the point is that last Friday I decided to explore and wander and not do anything at all. So often I find myself doing one thing and thinking about the other 15 things left on my to-do list, but every so often I stop and take in my surroundings. And I need to do that a whole lot more.
I decided to go on a walk around the block in my hometown while eating ice cream by myself. Why not? Exactly. I always admire a garden store on one of the main streets, and I discovered that they line their entire block with pots of flowers. I also learned that a local Gap hosts yoga classes for $5, and all of the proceeds go to pancreatic cancer research (a cause very close to my heart). I discovered a brand new restaurant that was awesome. And I drove home really happy while listening to Lady Antebellum’s new album, Golden (side note: do yourself a favor and download it!).
Have you ever had an experience where you knew that was exactly where you were meant to be in that moment? That’s exactly how I felt. I felt grateful for my life and my hometown, which sometimes I take for granted. And I felt completely relaxed, calm, and full.of.joy because I decided that relaxing was more important than doing.
I saw so many of the wedding professionals I follow posting pictures of this print from Jacin of Lovely Little Details, and I’m obsessed:
Photo by: Branco Prata via Lovely Little Details
For one day, half day, hour, or even 10 minutes this weekend, stop and just be:
- Go on an adventure.
- Turn off all of your social media (the world won’t end, I promise)
- Drive with the windows down and don’t turn on the radio.
- Run.
- Take pictures of nature.
- Visit a new restaurant.
- Go for a walk.
- Read a book (The Help is one of my all time favorites)
- Sit outside in the sun.
- Eat ice cream.
What are your plans for the weekend? I hope you do something you love!
My favorite line is full.of.joy!!!:)
It’s such an important thing to do! In the last few months I have been really trying to put those moments back in my life…we grow up so quickly and lose the ability to just “be,” it seems. Riding my bike, reading a book, getting lost in a place or conversation, or taking a walk just because has made such a difference in my stress and happiness level!